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Jingle bell jump

11/25/2025

OCEANSIDE, CA (November 23, 2025) – The FREE holiday events at Mission Marketplace in Oceanside begin on November 29 with Santa’s Arrival and continue December 5 – 11 with Community Caroling. Santa Claus will make a parachute landing at Mission Marketplace precisely at noon on Saturday, November 29 to launch the FREE Jingle Bell Jump event with nightly caroling December 5 – 11.

The El Camino High School Band will play holiday music as Santa parachutes from an airplane on November 29. The family fun continues at the FREE Jingle Bell Jump event from 12 – 3 p.m. with kids’ holiday craft and cookie decorating activities, complimentary churros, popcorn and cotton candy, balloon artist, face painter, carnival rides and games, inflatable jumpers, petting zoo and pony rides. Bring smart phones or cameras to take pictures of your children’s visit with Santa at his Mission Marketplace Headquarters during the event.

Mission Marketplace is making donations to the El Camino High School Band and the following community caroling groups who will entertain shoppers from 6 – 7 p.m.:
December 5: Ivey Ranch Elementary School Group 1
December 6: Star Theatre Carolers
December 7: Ivey Ranch Elementary School Group 2
December 8: Girl Scouts Vista Service Unit
December 9: Scout Vista Troop 700G
December 10: Oceanside First Presbyterian Church Children Carolers
December 11: The Women’s Club of Vista

No License? No Job! Avoid Contractor Scams

11/20/2025

By District Attorney Summer Stephan

Hiring a contractor to build an ADU, perform construction work, or a kitchen-and-bathroom remodel already comes with built-in stressors: choosing a quality company, affordability, staying on schedule; not to mention the disruption it has on the household.

The last thing consumers worry about can sometimes be the most costly: getting scammed.

Most contractors are honest and reliable. But inevitably there are cheaters working the system. Sometimes they are rogue contractors, but mostly they are unlicensed fraudsters who cut corners or skip town with your money.

The most common way consumers get ripped off is by trusting someone representing himself as licensed in a trade who wants to be paid up front. Frequently the phony contractor asks to be paid in cash, claiming they can begin work more quickly that way. Unfortunately, we have prosecuted cases where the scammer pockets the money and never comes back.

Before you put off that remodel job for good, here are some tips to help you distinguish the good from the bad.

Make sure your contractor is licensed. Check for disciplinary actions and workers compensation insurance on the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website (http://cslb.ca.gov/).
Be wary of anyone trying to convince you that since it may be a “small job” they do not need a contractor’s license. Any home improvement project over $1,000 requires a licensed contractor.
Contractors cannot ask for more than 10% of the total cost of the project or $1,000 (whichever is smaller) as a down payment. Do not pay more than that amount before the project begins.
Be wary of door-to-door salesmen offering free inspections. Many times they will claim that there is a “serious” problem such as bad plumbing or leaky roof that needs to be fixed immediately.
Remember that they have an incentive to indicate that a problem exists.
Do not let payments get ahead of the work. Payment schedules and project phases should be detailed in the contract.
Avoid paying in cash. If your contractor asks for cash only, it may be that they are operating outside of the law and do not want to be traced.
Ask for three references from prior customers and then check and verify that those references were satisfied with the contractor and his or her work.
The CSLB created a video to help you with the process of selecting a legitimate contractor for your job.

If you believe you have been scammed by a contractor, file a complaint with the Contractors State License Board.

The DA’s Consumer Protection Unit is made up of Deputy District Attorneys, Investigators and Paralegals dedicated to protecting consumers and law abiding businesses from fraudulent or unfair business practices. To report a consumer complaint, you can file a complaint online at: https://www.sdcda.org/preventing/consumer-protection/, call (619) 531-3507, or email [email protected].

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights

11/6/2025

Join us on the water and get into the holiday spirit!
Oceanside, California— November 2025 — Experience the holidays with Oceanside Whale Watching with our Boat Rides with Santa and Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights Cruises!
The holidays are right around the corner here in Oceanside Harbor making it the perfect time for Santa’s arrival at Oceanside Whale Watching! Get ready for some festive fun! Our annual Boat Rides with Santa event is back, offering a unique way for kids to celebrate the holidays.
● Experience the magic of the holidays with a boat ride with Santa around Oceanside Harbor! The approximately 20-minute boat rides will take place on Saturday, December 13th, from 11 am to 3 pm.
● Tickets are $5 per person, with a discounted rate of $3 for children 2 and under, as well as infants. All proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Oceanside. Advance reservations are required.

Please check in 20 minutes before your scheduled booking time at our kiosk under the lighthouse to receive your boarding pass. Each trip is approximately 20 minutes long. Don't forget your camera to capture those precious photo opportunities with Santa! We can't wait for you to experience this holiday joy with Oceanside Whale Watching. Reserve your spot today! https://www.oceansidewhalewatching.com/cruises/boat-ride-with-santa/
Experience the magic of the Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights from an unparalleled vantage point aboard one of our luxurious catamarans. Choose between the elegant 50ft Oceanside Adventures or our brand-new, custom-built 63ft NALA, both offering an intimate 2-hour harbor cruise that brings you right into the heart of the holiday display. Our knowledgeable crew will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, allowing you to relax and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights, December 13th. Cost is $69 for Adults and $49 for Kids (0-12)
● Oceanside Adventures: A 50ft luxury catamaran, well-appointed with comfortable amenities and excellent viewing opportunities. Departing at 6:30 pm.
● NALA: A brand-new, custom-designed 63ft catamaran, offering increased space and enhanced features for an exceptional experience. Departing at 6:15 pm.

Join us for an unforgettable evening and create cherished memories as you witness the Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights in style and comfort. Book your tickets in advance to secure your spot for this popular holiday event! https://www.oceansidewhalewatching.com/cruises/parade-of-lights/
Don't forget that whale watching is a great way to spend some family time out on the water, especially during the month of December when the California Gray Whales return! Gift certificates make for a great holiday gift, and private charters are a wonderful option for holiday parties. Make it a Hallmark holiday and celebrate with Oceanside Whale Watching! https://www.oceansidewhalewatching.com/
Lindstrom Media Donna Kalez
Nicole Lindstrom Oceanside Whale Watching GM
562.233.9824 256 Harbor Drive S., Oceanside, CA 92054
[email protected] (888) 507-1130

Member News

Jingle bell jump

No License? No Job! Avoid Contractor Scams

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights

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Member News

Jingle bell jump

​No License? No Job! Avoid Contractor Scams

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights

news Categories

​RECENT NEWS

No License? No Job! Avoid Contractor Scams

RECENT NEWS